The Vast [region] and Tribal Magic

[xXCrystal_Rose]

I've been inquired about for purpose of stories and many have taken great interest and also concern in my people. The Aberdenn have also asked and I agree it a good idea to write this so that all might be aware and perhaps more understanding. Hello, I am Jessica Valerios, and I am an Adept of Fire. I've been here on your island for two nights and will tell you about myself.

My village was along the Fire River, near to the Dragon Falls. It is a place in the Vast that was once ruled over by the red great wyrm dragon Halarglautha Firewings. Before humans colonized the area and fought back the orcs it was her domain, and it remained that way long after until she eventually died. The Dragon Falls, named in her honor, feed into the Fire River, and is her carefully claimed lair. One specific reason for this is the rumors of a deep dwarven treasury built into the mountain beneath her lair.

Now Firewings was an immense dragon, truly majestic, although this was also a problem. She was simply too big to reach the treasure trove she so desperately coveted, so she made her lair right on top of it so that nobody else could have it. She attempted to solicit the help of smaller races, and from her were born loyal half dragons before her demise. These half dragons were revered and continued to spread her gene.

My village is distantly descended from dear Firewings, or so it is said. In truth her blood has probably spread through the whole region by now. It is our pride, and we live near her territory still, and we collect her artifacts and gems that still appear in the river and mountains.

This is important information to know because we also have certain magical customs ingrained into our society. You see, around the Vast the majority of the land is untamed or attempted cultivated. The cities do not stray far from The Dragon Reach, and the rest of the land is nomadic tribes and small villages hidden in the wilderness, fighting off orcs and other monsters to survive. There are also four temples, although I only know of one of them.

We who live in the wilds sometimes develop magical powers. For some it is based on heritage, for others it is because of the location of the tribe or village. Most villages have it grow at random but some are dedicated to certain elements. My village is a village of fire, born from the blood of Halarglautha Firewings, and we only produce fire. Those who have the elements awoken in them are called adepts of their element, and must travel in pilgrimage to their temple, where they will learn their powers and return after many years as revered guardians and shamans. If they survive.

I was an Adept of Fire. Where the Earthspur and the Earthfast mountains meet is a volcanic region, which was made very unstable during the Year of Rogue Dragons. This is also where the rain gathers and forms the Fire River that leads out to the Dragon Reach. At this joint where the mountain ranges clash is the Temple of the Fire Spirit, where I was supposed to go in order to learn my power. I never did. After the dragon wars the orc settlements became scattered and random and I was scared of the journey. My Dragon Warrior guardian was strong, but I was hesitant and stalled.

The Temple of Fire is a harsh place with few surviving adepts. We of fire are strong, passionate and disciplined. I was not ready for this and did not recieve my training. The magic of your land summoned me before I could learn. For that I have the breath of the dragon burning in my soul, hungering for escape, but I can not shape it very well. It comes in shapes of dancing fire, my friends and guardians in this strange place, and breaths of the dragon.

The gods we revere from my village are many; Lathander, the fire in the sky; Sharess, the fire of the soul; Talos, the fire of the world; Garyx, the dragonfire; Mystra and now Mystryl, the fire of magic; and of course Kossuth, the spirit of fire and soul of the forge. If you may teach me I will welcome it, but as I learn I caution you who reads this to be wary but not fearful. I will not intentionally try to harm you but if you try to provoke my emotions you will be responsible for what happens; you're warned.

This is a brief look into the lifestyle of the Vast. I am Jessica Valerios, and I am an Adept of Fire. I come from the line of a red dragon and a militaristic village of fire and Dragon Warriors; its soldiers and guardians. Now I am on Ymph and I hope you will welcome me.